GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
How did FIVB’s 2026 challenge test use rally bookmarks and coach clarification?
Under FIVB's 2026 test, a team can mark a potentially challengeable action during a rally, then confirm the challenge type after the rally ends. A team that loses the point must proceed with an uncancelled bookmark and confirm its type within seven seconds. Without a bookmark, an earlier action cannot be challenged later; only the last action remains challengeable within seven seconds. The 2026 Video Challenge System regulations set challenge limits per set and rally, make some touch reviews dependent on technology and vision, and keep the original decision when evidence is inconclusive. The test also lets the head coach approach the first referee to confirm a challenge type or seek clarification about a call. Complaints and protests remain prohibited. These are procedures announced for named 2026 competitions, not universal amendments to the rules.
For Indoor volleyball readers trying to understand a mid-rally challenge or replay review · Updated
An earlier rally action needs a bookmark
For the mid-rally test, a team, the Challenge Referee or the Video Challenge Operator may place a bookmark during play. If a team wants review of an earlier action, at least one bookmark must be placed before the rally ends. After a rally with no bookmark, only its last action can be challenged, within seven seconds after the rally ends.
When the losing team has an uncancelled bookmark, it must proceed and confirm the challenge type after the point is awarded. The regulations give it seven seconds after the rally ends to select the type. The team may cancel its bookmark during the rally; an action earlier than the last one cannot be added afterward without a bookmark.
Set limits, rally limits and available video all matter
The 2026 regulations give each team two challenges per set: a successful or inconclusive review retains the challenge, while an unsuccessful one uses it. A team that loses two challenges cannot request another in that set. Each team may request only one challenge per rally, though both teams may have requests in the same rally. When the losing team's challenge succeeds, the opposing team may challenge only an earlier bookmarked action from that rally; the first fault observed in the sequence prevails.
Challenge types depend on technology availability. Defensive-touch and serve-receive-touch reviews are listed as New Rule Tests only where technology and vision are available. The FIVB announcement requires clear, visible contact to overturn the original decision; if video evidence is unavailable or inconclusive, the original decision stands and the challenge is retained.
The coach may clarify, but may not protest
The 2026 test lets the head coach approach and speak to the first referee to confirm the type of challenge requested or seek clarification about a call or decision. It does not give the coach a general right to complain or protest. The ordinary rulebook's separate explanation and formal-protest procedure belongs to the game captain; do not merge that role with the coach test.
After the challenge result is communicated, the requesting team may not call a time-out before the next completed rally. FIVB named the 2026 Volleyball Nations League, FIVB Volleyball U17 World Championships and 2026 Continental Championships for these tests and says any rule update will be reviewed during testing.
A fictional bookmark, challenge and coach question
In a fictional 2026 VNL rally, Team A marks a possible net touch on its tablet during play. Team B also bookmarks an earlier possible fault. Team A loses the point and confirms its bookmarked net-touch challenge within seven seconds after the rally. If Team A's challenge succeeds, Team B may challenge only its earlier bookmark; the first fault observed in the sequence determines the ruling. Without a bookmark, an earlier action could not be added after the rally. A coach may ask the first referee to confirm the challenge type or clarify the call. Using that conversation to complain or protest is outside the test; the game captain's separate rulebook procedure remains distinct. For a defense or serve-receive touch challenge, clear video evidence is required to overturn the original decision. All people and actions here are fictional.
Related questions
Can a team challenge an earlier action that it did not bookmark?
No. Under the 2026 mid-rally test, an earlier action needs a bookmark during the rally. Without one, only the last action may be challenged within seven seconds after the rally.
What happens if a video review cannot establish a defensive touch?
The test requires clear, visible contact to overturn the original call. If evidence is unavailable or inconclusive, the original decision stands and the challenge is retained.
Can the coach use the clarification test to protest a referee's decision?
No. The test allows the head coach to confirm a challenge type or seek clarification about a call or decision; complaints and protests remain prohibited. The game captain's separate rulebook procedure is not transferred to the coach.
Sources and further reading
- The Volleyball Video Challenge System Regulations 2026, Sections 1.2-1.5.2, 2.3, 4.1-4.4, 5.1-5.4, 6.4 and 8.2; PDF pp. 1-4.
- FIVB Board of Administration approves rule tests for 2026 competitions, February 27, 2026; Mid-rally challenge bookmark, Touches in defence and Serve receive, Reduce breaks, and Coach to speak to the first referee.
- FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025-2028, Rules 5.1.2.1, 5.1.3.2 and 5.2.1-5.2.3; printed pp. 19-20.